Vein wall thickness and severity of pulmonary involvement due to sars n-cov2 virus infection.

BACKGROUND: An observational study involving patients recovered from COVID-19 was conducted in order to evaluate the presence/absence of vein wall thickness increasing, according to the severity of pulmonary involvement quantified with a CT-scoring system. METHODS: The venous wall thickness (VWT) of 31 patients (23 males and 8 females) with COVID 19 previously admitted to Federico II University Hospital of Naples was evaluated through ultrasound measurement of the common femoral Vein 1 cm proximal to the saphenous-femoral junction and the popliteal Vein 1 cm distal to the confluence of gemellary veins. Measurements were taken with an automated tool to avoid human error. All patients were evaluated in the supine position. Patients were then stratified into two groups, VWT > 1 mm and VWT < 1 mm. Lung damage was assessed through thoracic High Resolution Computer Tomography and subsequently quantified using the scoring system set out by Chung et al. CEAP-C class was calculated for all patients. RESULTS: The mean value of COVID score in VWT > 1 mm group was 7.4 (S.D. 4.83), whilst the mean value of the COVID score in the VWT < 1 mm group was 3.82 (S.D 3.34). These findings were determined to be statistically significant in a two-tie Student-T test. The linear regression test between VWT and Covid score values demonstrated a direct relationship between the two variables. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate a link between two different aspects of the pathological effects on the vessels during a SARS-COV 2 infection. As such a common primum movens can be hypothesized in both micro-thrombotic and inflammatory processes relating to COVID 19.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for vein insufficiency: two-year results of a multicenter experience with 1940-nm laser diode and a novel optical fiber.

Thermoablative techniques currently represent, in accordance with international guidelines, the most used methods in the treatment of varicose veins. From some years, lasers with a wavelength greater than 1900 nm have been introduced for EndoVenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) treatment. However, currently, few clinical studies regarding this new technology are reported in the medical literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes at a 2-year follow-up (mid-term) of EVLA of varicose veins of the lower limbs using a 1940-nm laser and a new cylindric monoring fiber. This clinical trial was conducted as a multicenter, retrospective, non-randomized, non-blind clinical study. Ninety-three patients were enrolled for a total of one hundred consecutive procedures performed in the period between January 2021 and May 2021 in two Italian facilities. The primary efficacy endpoint was the occlusion rate of the treated vein immediately after surgery and at the follow-up (24 months). The secondary efficacy endpoint was the evaluation of the parameters of energy delivered during the procedure (power and linear energy density or LEED). The primary safety endpoints were the incidence of pain (1 day and 7 days after surgery) and the rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The precepted pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary safety endpoint was the evaluation of the improvement of the patient's symptoms related to venous disease. This evaluation was conducted by recording the changes in clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification. All procedures were carried out regularly on an outpatient basis, and no intraoperative complications occurred. The occlusion rate of the target veins was 100% at 7- and 30-day controls. At follow-up controls, performed at 6 months, 1 and 2 years carried out showed an occlusion rate respectively of 99% (97 to 100), 96.9% (93.6 to 100), and 95.9% (92.1 to 99.9). The secondary efficacy endpoint was the evaluation of the parameters of energy delivered during the procedure (power watt and linear energy density): As regards the power parameters, we report an average of watts of 4.5 ± 0.8 [2.5 to 6] and linear energy density delivered (LEED) of 41.2 ± 8.6 [(21.1 to 66.7)]. The pain reported (with VAS scale) on 1 day of the procedure was 2 [1; 3] and 1 [0 to 4] at 7 days. All patients showed improved symptoms related to venous disease, with reduction of the individual CEAP class to which they belong. This study demonstrates that EndoVascular Laser Ablation (EVLA) treatment of varicose veins with a wavelength > 1900 nm is safe and effective. The overall occlusion rate was high. The reported results suggest that using lower parameters, such as output power (watts) and LEED (linear energy density), do not reduce the success rate of the treatment when used over 35 J/cm.

Hand-Sewn Versus Stapled Small Bowel Anastomoses in Patients With Secondary Mesenteric Ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: Although stapled anastomoses have been widely evaluated in the context of the elective surgery, few reports compared manual with stapled anastomoses in patients undergoing emergency surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of hand-sewn end-to-end anastomoses with stapled side-to-side and stapled end-to-side anastomoses in patients undergoing small bowel resection for acute mesenteric ischemia secondary to intestinal obstruction. METHODS: From January 2015 to June 2021 all the hemodynamically stable patients undergoing emergency surgery with small bowel resection for intestinal obstruction were enrolled in this study. According to surgical technique in performing anastomosis, the patients were divided into three groups: group 1: hand-sewn end-to-end anastomosis, group 2: stapled end-to-side anastomosis, and group 3: stapled side-to-side anastomosis. RESULTS: Although the anastomosis failure rate was higher in group 3, it was not significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.78: chi-square test). Likewise, no significant differences in the median hospital stay were found between the patients' groups (P = 0.87: Kruskal-Wallis test). The median operating time was similar in patients undergoing stapled anastomoses and was significantly higher in patients undergoing hand-sewn anastomoses (P = 0.0009: Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing emergency small bowel resection for complicated intestinal obstruction, a similar outcome in terms of dehiscence rate and hospital stay can be achieved performing stapled or hand-sewn anastomoses, even if restoring the intestinal continuity with stapled technique is associated with lower operating time.

Endovascular laser treatment. Comparison of lasers and fibers of different generations: study of temperatures and tissue damage produced on a porcine liver model.

The current international guidelines identify tumescent ablative techniques such as laser thermal ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency (RFA) to be the gold standard in varicose vein surgery. New-generation lasers have been introduced, which have high wavelengths (1940 and 2000 nm) and therefore with a greater affinity for water than the old generation (980- and 1470-nm lasers). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the biological effect and the temperatures produced during the use of lasers with different wavelengths (980, 1470, and 1940 nm) and with optical fibers with different emission (radial diverging at 60° and radial with cylindrical mono-ring) on in vitro model. Porcine liver was used as an in vitro model. The laser control units used had 3 different wavelengths: 980, 1470, and 1940 nm. The optical fibers used were 2: the Corona 360 fiber (mono-ring radial fiber) and the infinite fiber (cylindrical mono-ring fiber). The laser operating parameters used included the delivery of 6 W in continuous wave (CW) mode with a standard 10 s/cm pull-back. Eleven measurements were made for each fiber and for each laser, for a total of 66 measurements. We performed measurements of the maximum transverse diameter produced with laser irradiation to evaluate the biological effectiveness of the treatment. During laser irradiation, we performed measurements of both of the temperatures reached on the external surface of the porcine tissue, near the tip of the laser catheter, and the temperatures reached inside the irradiated tissue by using a digital laser infrared thermometer with apposite probe. The calculation of the statistical significance (p-value) was obtained with the ANOVA method with two between factors. The comparison study of the maximum transverse diameter (DTM) of the lesion produced on the target tissue demonstrated the absence of statistically significant differences between the 1470-nm laser and the 1940-nm laser regardless of the type of fiber used. It was not possible to perform measurements of the maximum transverse diameter produced with the 980-nm laser as this produced no visible effect on the model. The comparison study of the temperatures developed during and immediately after the treatment instead showed higher maximum surface temperatures (TSM) and a higher thermal increase (IT) regardless of the type of fiber used in a statistically significant way (respectively, p 0.002 and 0.012) when using the 980-nm laser versus the 1940-nm laser. Comparing instead the 980-nm laser with 1470 nm, there were no differences in TI recorded during the procedure but a significantly higher VTI (p 0.029). The experiment conducted with the new generation laser, compared with those of the first and second generation, shows how this works overall at lower temperatures with the same effectiveness.

Impact of Physical Activity on Disability Risk in Elderly Patients Hospitalized for Mild Acute Diverticulitis and Diverticular Bleeding Undergone Conservative Management.

Background and Objectives: The role of physical activity (PA) in elderly patients admitted to surgical units for mild acute diverticulitis in the development of disability has not been clarified so far. Our aim is to demonstrate the relationship between physical activity and better post-discharge outcomes on disability in elderly population affected by diverticular disease. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 56 patients (32 Males-24 females) collected from October 2018 and March 2020 at Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso. We included patients older than 65 yrs admitted for acute bleeding and acute diverticulitis stage ≤II, characterized by a good independence status, without cognitive impairment and low risk of immobilization, as evaluated by activity of daily living (ADL) and the instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) and Exton-Smith Scale. "Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly" (PASE) Score evaluated PA prior to admission and at first check up visit. Results: 30.4% of patients presented a good PA, 46.4% showed moderate PA and 23.2% a low PA score. A progressive reduction in ADL and IADL score was associated with lower physical activity (p value = 0.0038 and 0.0017). We consider cognitive performance reduction with a cut off of loss of more than 5 points in Short Port of ADL and IADL and a loss of more than 15 points on Exton-Smith Scale, (p-value 0.017 and 0.010). In the logistic regression analysis, which evaluated the independent role of PASE in disability development, statistical significance was not reached, showing an Odds Ratio of 0.51 95% CI 0.25-1.03 p value 0.062. Discussion: Reduced physical activity in everyday life in elderly is associated with increased post-hospitalization disability regarding independence, cognitive performance and immobilization. Conclusions: Poor physical performance diagnosis may allow to perform a standardized multidimensional protocol to improve PA to reduce disability incidence.

Third generation of laser (>1900) for endovenous thermoablation (EVLA) of varicose veins: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Third generation lasers with longer wavelengths (>1900 nm) have been introduced, in recent years, for the treatment of varicose veins. The possible advantage of the new generation lasers is that they allow complete damage to the vein wall using a lower Power in Watts (W: J/sec) and a lower linear energy density (LEED: J/cm). The aim of this work is to evaluate the results present in the literature regarding efficacy and safeness of the new generation lasers for the treatment of varicose veins. METHODS: Published articles were searched on PubMed database and on Cochrane Library, entering the keywords "1940 nm or 1920 nm laser AND varicose veins laser thermoablation (EVLA)." The primary endpoint of the study was to value rate of occlusion and adverse events at the short term follow-up. The search yielded a total of 14 studies. In the end, only six studies were judge eligibility. RESULTS: The studies were heterogenous in their documentation, EVLA, duplex ultrasound protocol and result reporting. A total of 540 limbs of 377 patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with laser 1920-1940 nm. The treated veins had a mean diameter of 0.74 ± 0.17 cm and a mean length of 27.87 ± 20.63 cm. The pooled estimates of immediate occlusion rate was of 99.8% (95% CI: 97.9% to 100.0) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 60%; 95% PI: 89.7% to 100%), while at short-term follow-up was of 98.2% (95% CI: 94.0% to 100.0%) with higher heterogeneity (I2:79%; 95% PI: 77.1% to 100.0%). EHIT occurred in 7 cases (pooled estimate: 0.7%). The other adverse events rate reported were 1% of hyperpigmentation, 2.8% of neurological complications, 0.6% thrombophlebitis and 1.9% of bruising/hematoma. The pooled mean estimates of LEED was equal to 38.2 J/cm (95% CI: 26.3 to 50.1 J/cm) although with a very large heterogeneity (I2 = 100%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall success rate of EVLA was high. The analysis of these studies suggests that using lower parameters (Power and linear administered energy) may have no effect on the treatment success rate. Short-term results demonstrate comparable occlusion rates respect the second-generation lasers. Instead, data suggest a low complication rates. Short-term results demonstrate comparable complications rates respect the second-generation lasers (1300-1470 nm). Randomized studies with longer follow-up are required to evaluate the EVLA 1900 nm procedure further.

TEM in the treatment of recurrent rectal cancer in elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Transanal microscopic surgery is an important application of minimally invasive surgery of rectum, allowing realization of complex transanal intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period between January 2002 and December 2010, seven patients, five men and two women, average age 75 years, with early rectal cancer recurrence were selected for this type of surgical palliative procedure. The selection of the patients is made by: transrectal ultrasonografy, colonoscopy and abdominal ultrasonografy, to rule out liver metastases, CT with and without enema, PET CT. Follow-up is approximately 12-30 months. RESULTS: The pathologic staging confirms the complete excision of recurrences. Then patients are referred for more complementary therapies. DISCUSSION: The significance of conservative treatment for local recurrence of rectum adenocarcinoma is still controversial because the recurrence is an expression of tumor spread not controlled by oncological surgical and radio/chemo therapy. CONCLUSION: In selected subjects such as the elderly, based on equal oncological treatment, the reduction of surgical trauma, preservation of anatomical integrity and resolution of symptoms are important results.

Collagen treatment of complex anorectal fistula: 3 years follow-up.

Fistula in ano is a common anorectal disease in adults. Currently, surgery remains the definitive therapeutic approach, but in some cases, it can lead to serious complications as faecal or gas incontinence. Therefore, sphincter sparing treatments should be considered for complex fistulas. One of the sphincteric preserving treatment is the filling with a dermal extract commonly called "collagen glue" as Salvecoll-E® gel. This is a multicentric, prospective, observational study on the use of Salvecoll-E® gel in treatment of complex anal fistulas. We treated 70 patients from May 2016 to May 2017. In the first phase, we debrided the fistula tract using a loose seton kept for 4-6 weeks. In the second phase, the seton was removed and the fistula tract was filled with Salvecoll-E® gel. In this article, we report results at 36 months of follow-up. Fifty patients (71.4%) had completely healed fistula within 36 months of follow-up. Twenty-eight patients (28.2%) had recurrences. Among these failures, 65% were within 6 months. All low transphincteric fistulas healed. Recurrences occurred only in median and high transphincteric fistulas. No patient had a worsening of continence status measured with Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Severity score. Salvecoll-E® gel is a recent finding among sphincter-sparing treatments. In this study, we demonstrate that it is a safe option in the treatment of complex fistulas. Final results are satisfactory and in line with the best results published in literature among mini-invasive treatments.

The evolution of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). A single-center experience with a 1470 nm versus a 1940 nm diode laser.

AIM: To evalue the short-term results obtained in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedure of the varicose insufficiency of the lower limbs with Diode 1470 nm laser compared to Diode 1940 nm laser. MATERIALS OF STUDY: A total of 55 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: those subjected to 1470 nm laser treatment in group A and those with 1940 nm laser treatment in group B. The endpoints were: Closure of the target vessel, complications and post-operative pain. RESULTS: There are no intra-and post-operative complications. The occlusion rate of the target veins was 100% at 7- and 60-day controls. The pain perceived in the immediate post-operative and at the controls showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However in group B it was necessary to apply lower values of Power (W) and Linear Energy Density (LEED) with a statistically significant difference compared to group A. DISCUSSION: Short-term results demonstrate closure rates comparable to those obtained with 1470 nm lasers. There were no statistically significant differences in the two groups in terms of primary and secondary endpoints. The advantage of using 1940 nm laser technology is that it is possible to dispense a lower linear energy density (LEED) at a lower power (Watt). CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous laser ablation with Diode 1940 nm is particularly suitable and advantageous in the treatment of superficial and small vessels, as well as venous segment adjacent to nerve structures. KEY WORDS: Diode laser, Intravenous ablation, Varicose, Venous insufficiency, Veins.

Minimally invasive ileocecal valve resection in ileocecal Crohn's disease.

AIM: Considering ileocolic resection as a surgical standard for the treatment of ileocecal valve Crohn's disease, we propose a limited resection of the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve with ileocecal anastomosis. MATERIAL OF STUDY: Three patiens between 20 and 37 years of age, diagnosed with Crohn's disease unresponsive to medical therapy, who have stenoses or fissures confined to the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve, seen during instrumental investigations. RESULTS: The proposed procedure allowed us to perform a minimal resection and reconstruction of a new ileocecal valve. Once the symptoms have resolved, at endoscopic follow ups, at 6 and 12 months after surgery, there were no changes in the mucosa of the ileocecal neo-anastomosis. DISCUSSION: Since Crohn's disease is a systemic disease with a chronic relapsing course complicated by a high rate of post-surgical relapses, it is essential to limit the extension of resections to the macroscopically involved tissues and reduce the anastomotic surfaces. The proposed surgical procedure allows to preserve the caecum and the colon with an optimal postoperative course. CONCLUSION: We believe that, with specific clinical and endoscopic conditions, the treatment we illustrated can be proposed to other patients as an alternative to the standard VL ileocolic resection. KEY WORDS: Crohn's Disease, Ileocaecal Valve, Ileocaecal Anastomosis.

Surgical treatment in late-stage gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis of 26 cases.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer represents the fourth most common form of cancer and the second most common cause of death in the world. It is also one of the most common cancers leading to mortality in Italy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the survival rate of patients with advanced gastric cancer and its affecting factors in our experience at AOU Federico II. METHODS: 26 patients with late-stage T4N2M0 and T4N2M1 gastric cancer that were diagnosed and registered during 2008 to 2018 in Federico II Surgical department, were studied. All patients were followed to the end of 2019. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves and to determine the effective factors on the survival rate of surveyed patients. Moreover, Log-rank test was used to evaluate whether or not survival curves for different patients, related to residual tumor, are statistically equivalent (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 49±29, and most of them were males (57,8% (15 patients). After diagnosis, the survival rates for 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, were 26,9%, 11,5 %, 3,8%, 19,2 %; 11,5% of patients with residual tumors survived 6 months respectively. Overall average survival was of 20.61 sd 17.52 months with a median of 12. No statistical difference was detected in terms of survival among M0 and M1 sub-groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, T4 gastric cancer has a poor prognosis. Survival rate was decreased over time after diagnosis. Tumoral stage at the time of diagnosis is the most important factor affecting the survival of surveyed patients. This shows that there is a crucial need to diagnose the gastric cancer in early stages. KEY WORDS: Advanced gastric cancer, Surgical techniques, Therapy.

A giant inguinal hernia in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia formation is a common event in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Minimally invasive surgical technique for inguinal hernia repair is the same used in patients without EDS but it is related to more intraoperative and postoperative complications. AIM: Inour study, we present a case of inguinal hernia in a EDS patient successfully treated with a robotic transabdominal preperitoneal procedure (TAPP procedure). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We decided to perform a robotic TAPP with the DaVinci Xi® platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, USA) under general anaesthesia. A robotic docking was performed and three arms were positioned in the abdomen. Total operative timing was 45 mins. RESULTS: During the robotic procedure no intraoperative complications were recorded and no drains were applied. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged in the first postoperative day. DISCUSSION: Inguinal hernia occurs more frequently in patients with EDS, mainly men. Many surgeons believe that EDS may have a negative effect on the clinical outcome of hernioplasty because of postoperative complication and recurrence rates. Our strategy has been robotic technology to facilitate the surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Robotic technology is feasible and associated with a shorted recovery and better cosmetic results. The endowrist movement of the robotic arms allows wide instrument articulation in a confined space, bypassing the limitis of laparoscopic instruments. In this way, it is possible to realize an accurate dissection of important elements, to reduce operative timing and intraoperative and postoperative complications. KEY WORDS: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Inguinal hernia, TAPP.

Male breast cancer: an update.

PURPOSE: To summarize and compare the most recent data from the literature to clarify the management of male breast cancer. METHODS: A review article. RESULTS: Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Breast Cancer have been derivative for years. Nowadays MBC is a nosological entity in its own right with biological, molecular and clinical features that require a multidisciplinary approach and the involvement of specific skills. Multimodal treatment involves surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is evident that the outcome of the MBC is worse than the female one. MBC is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Screening programs in the male population need to be strengthened to obtain an earlier diagnosis. It is necessary to know even more in depth the endocrine-metabolic and behavioral risk factors related to the neoplasm. Finally in the coming years it is reasonable to expect an improvement in multigenic tests: the sensitivity of these methods could predict the risk of recurrence even more precisely. This could lead to substantial changes in the choice and duration of treatment with results that could be surprising. KEY WORDS: Male breast cancer, Management, Review, Update.

Outpatient vascular clinic management in COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The recent Sars-CoV2 pandemic has dramatically slowed patients' access to our clinic for vascular pathology when the contagion curve peaked. The need to restore the assistance activity has led us to adopt new individual prophylaxis and hygiene measures. METHODS: Doctors and staff must wear dedicated clothes. Mask and gloves are mandatory for patients. A visit is scheduled every 60 minutes to allow the sanitation of the rooms. The day before the visit patients are contacted by telephone for the Covid-19 risk triage. In the presence of symptoms the visit is postponed. In the presence of other risk factors a IgG/IgM Rapid Test for Covid-19 is performed on admission to the clinic. In the presence of fever, if an extraordinary rapid test cannot be performed, the visit must be postponed. Rapid test positive patients cannot be visited: they are placed in solitary confinement at their home waiting for a nasopharyngeal swab for Covid-19. When the rapid test is positive, immediate room sanitation also occurs. The rooms dedicated to the outpatient clinic as well as medical and not medical instruments are disinfected. CONCLUSION: The one adopted can be a useful management model for any type of care activity in order to guarantee the safety of patients and all the staff. KEY WORDS: COVID-19, Management, vascular, Outpatient clinic.

Surgical treatment for common hepatic aneurysm. Original one-step technique.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic artery aneurysms are rare, and their treatment represents a challenge for the surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new technique is presented for common hepatic artery (CHA) aneurysm: it requires minimal vascular surgical dissection and only one linear vascular stapler is applied at the bottom of aneurysm. Aneurysm exclusion is easily obtained, which allowed retrograde thrombosis. Liver blood supply is ensured to the right and left hepatic artery, through the gastroduodenal artery, and can be previously monitored, with temporary clamping of the section area, by visual control, enzyme evaluation and intraoperative ultrasound examination. We reported an open surgical treatment, with simultaneous removal of hepatic and adrenal metastases, secondary to colon cancer. RESULTS: The duration of vascular surgery was 30 min and did not involve complications. Postoperative controls confirmed the efficacy of the procedure. DISCUSSION: This original technique can be added to the various open and endovascular techniques so far described for the treatment of a CHA aneurysm. It is advisable as open surgery, mostly in case of associated pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that this "one shot" technique by vascular staple of the distal part of CHA is minimally invasive and effective to obtain the exclusion of the aneurysm.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to adipose tissue herniation through gastric band tubing loop. An unusual case presentation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band complications like oesophageal dilatation, intractable nausea and vomiting, band migration, late slippages, and port problems with a cumulative rate of 19.2%. Rarely, LAGB complications may be related to the connection tube system and in this case the clinical presentation and the effects of the problem can generate difficulties in diagnosis. METHODS: A 47 years old woman who had a LAGB placed 2 years before the symptoms was admitted in our centre with nausea, vomit, leukocytosis and distended abdomen with a generalized tenderness. Computed tomography images showed an anomalous course of banding tube and a contemporary compression of a small bowel tract secondary to the traction exerted by an adipose tissue band attracted by the tube. RESULTS: A laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity showed a tight loop of LAGB tubing causing a small bowel obstruction with an ischemic damage, so surgeons provided to LAGB removal and a 50 cm ileum resection CONCLUSIONS: Small bowel obstruction resulting from LAGB tubing is an uncommon complication which was reported in few cases. Although bariatric surgery currently represents the best treatment option for morbid obesity and its related- diseases, peri- and post-operative complications have always to be taken into account. KEY WORDS: Adjustable gastric band complications, Bariatric surgery, Bowel obstruction, CT scan, LAGB tube.

Influences of postural alterations on the hemodynamic of the gait in patients with saphenous incompetence. A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to verify whether the postural alterations can influence the development of the varicose disease with unilateral and bilateral saphenous incompetence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 39 patients suffering from saphenous incompetence diagnosed by hemodynamic study with eco-color doppler (20 patients with bilateral venous insufficiency (VI), 19 patients with unilateral VI) have performed the gait analysis though wireless inertial sensor and baropodometry to assess the plantar pressure distribution both statically and dynamically. RESULTS: The 68% and the 60% of subjects suffering from unilateral or bilateral VI present a plantar pressure dysfunction a single foot or both feet in static and/or in dynamic. In 63% of subjects with unilateral VI the propulsion is reduced on the lower limb damaged. The number of asymmetries in walking and dysfunctions in planar pressure in both groups has been calculated. The average number of asymmetries in walking in the group of patients with unilateral VI is significantly greater (p-value=0.0075) compared to the group of patients with bilateral VI. CONCLUSIONS: Plantar pressure and increased valvo-muscular pump pressure (VMPP) are not the main etiological factors that modify the hemodynamic in walking. In unilateral cases the postural alterations may contribute to worsening or to appearance of the varicose veins. Postural disorders treatment in children of phlebopaths during the childhood could maintain the mild condition of varicose disease silent. The treatment in adults suffering from unilateral VI may reduce or prevent the appearance of relapses KEY WORDS: Gait analysis, Hemodynamic of the gait, Postural alterations, Saphenous incompetence, Venous insufficiency.

Surgical crossectomy and saphenic trunk sclerotherapy. Preliminary results of a combined approach to the treatment of saphenous vein varices.

AIM: Here our proposal of a new approach to the incontinent saphenous-femoral junction (SFJ) based on the combination of surgery and sclerotherapy for treatment of incontinent varices. It is a two-step procedure with a surgical ligation and transection of SFJ followed by a sclerosis of saphenous trunk and extra-fascial tributaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January to December 2017, 95 patients (63 females and 32 males) with a mean age of 56.43 ± 6.07 years for a total of 121 limbs were treated with the SHSC approach. Under local anesthesia, after surgical selective hemodynamic crossectomy and a retrograde cannulation of the saphenous trunk by means of 8-10 ch nelaton-like catheter, 0.5-1% polydocanol foam, obtained with Tessari's technique, is injected into the vein. During injection, the catheter must be progressively withdrawn, so that the entire vein comes in contact with the foam. RESULTS: 121 limbs have been treated with the above technique. A complete obliteration of the saphenous trunk was observed after 116 (95.86%) treatments in the immediate postoperative time. With regard to collateral veins sclerosis, 99 (81.81%) complete obliterations were observed. 28 (23.14%) collateral varices had to be refined by sclerotherapy. DISCUSSION: SHSC associates the execution of a selective hemodynamic crossectomy with an intraoperative foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of the saphenous trunk and collateral varicose veins. SHSC, compared to classical US-guided foam sclerotherapy seems to be safer, with fewer risks of pulmonary and / or cerebral embolic complications. SHSC prevents blood wash out which could destabilize the consolidation of the saphenous trunk sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: SHSC can be considered an effective treatment of varicose veins, simple to perform, minimally invasive and well tolerated KEY WORDS: Crossectomy, Saphenous vein, Sclerotherapy, SFJ.

Prophylaxis of thromboembolism in bariatric surgery with parnaparin.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on appropriate dosing of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in bariatric surgery. The primary objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the preoperative effects of increasing doses of the LMWH parnaparin on coagulation in severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: Severely obese patients (BMI > 50 kg/m(2)) were administered three increasing single doses of parnaparin (3200, 4250, and 6400 IU) on the three consecutive days leading up to biliointestinal bypass surgery. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), anti-factor IIa and anti-factor Xa levels were measured 1 h before and 4 h after dosing. The highest dose (6400 IU/day) was continued from the day of surgery until day 30 (recovery period). Intermittent pneumatic compression and stockings were applied during surgery and the recovery period, respectively. Lower limb echoDoppler and phleboscintigraphy, and pulmonary scintigraphy were used for VTE detection. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean BMI 52.4 kg/m(2)) were recruited into this study. During the preoperative dosing phase, parnaparin dose-dependently prolonged APTT, with the 6400 IU dose significantly prolonging APTT versus the lower doses. Meanwhile, anti-factor Xa and anti-factor IIa activity was increased by the 4250 and 6400 IU doses. After surgery, one patient with heparin resistance experienced pulmonary embolization. No bleeding complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The dose-response data reported in this preliminary study suggest that parnaparin doses of 4250 and 6400 IU may provide effective prophylaxis for VTE in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, given the small number of patients, larger, well-controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.

Percutaneous treatment with radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins recurring after vein stripping surgery A preliminary study.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new treatment of recurrent varicose vein after stripping of the great saphenous vein with rigid radiofrequency needles. MATERIAL OF STUDY: 37 patients enrolled (11 males and 26 females). 10 patients had recurrent varicose veins for the presence of residual reflux in the Saphenous-Femoral Junction (SFJ) stump, whilst 21 patients for the presence of a single or multiple re-chanalized and refluxing perforator veins, and 6 had mixed rechanalization due to perforator veins and refluxing saphenous stump. All patients have been treated by percutaneous ultrasound-guided obliteration with radiofrequency needles. Treatment efficacy have been assessed by US evaluation, and/or the appearance of recurrent varicose veins and classified as REVAS questionnaire. Follow up has been carried out at 30, 60, 180 days and 1 year after treatment. RESULTS: A complete obliteration of the perforator(s) stump(s) was observed in 12 procedures immediately after the treatment, and confirmed at 30 and 60 days. In 1 case (7.69 %) obliteration was not complete at 60 days. After 1 year of follow-up 3 perforators (23.07%) showed an incomplete or failed obliteration. A complete obliteration of the treated SFJ was observed in 27 cases at the end of the procedure and confirmed after 60 days of follow-up patients (Fig. 4). In 2 cases (6.89%), obliteration was non complete at 60 days. After 1 year of follow up 5 treated SFJ (17.24%) stumps showed an incomplete or a failed obliteration. DISCUSSION: Results show a reduction of the number of limbs affected by ulcer, skin pigmentation and stasis eczema, demonstrating correction of haemodynamic overload to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: This treatment is a new and effective solution to the problem of post-stripping recurrent varicose veins. KEY WORDS: Perforator veins, Radiofrequency, Recurrent post-stripping varicose veins, Saphenofemoral stump.